Not a Single Grain Left... Ulsan Office of Education Sweats Over Asbestos Removal in 15 Schools

Following dismantling and removal guidelines, all schools to eliminate by 2024

Ulsan Office of Education.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Ulsan Office of Education carried out asbestos removal work at 15 schools during the winter vacation.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral formed from serpentine or amphibole minerals. It is resistant to acids and alkalis and does not conduct heat or electricity well, so it has been widely used as a heat insulator, fireproof material, and insulating material.

Long-term exposure to asbestos causes respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and it is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.

The Ulsan Office of Education conducted asbestos removal work on ceilings and other areas at five elementary schools including Byeongyeong Elementary School, three middle schools including Munsu Middle School, and seven schools including Seongsin High School.

After completing all asbestos removal, procedures were applied according to asbestos dismantling and removal guidelines to ensure no residual material remained.

Deputy Superintendent Lee Yonggyun personally inspected the asbestos removal sites at Seongsin High School and Pyeongsan Elementary School, measuring asbestos concentrations around work areas where asbestos dust was a concern, at hygiene facility entrances, behind negative pressure machines, and at waste disposal sites, ensuring levels were below the Ministry of Environment's indoor environmental standard of 0.01 fibers/cc.

A parent monitoring group, consisting of school principals, parents, civic groups, and experts, attends the schools where the work has been completed to conduct inspections and verification activities for residual materials.

The Ulsan Office of Education plans to completely remove asbestos from each school by 2024, three years ahead of the Ministry of Education's 2027 plan, to create a safe school environment free of asbestos.

This year, asbestos dismantling and removal work will be carried out at 23 schools during the summer and winter vacations.

An education office official said, “Every year, some schools nationwide have had their opening delayed because asbestos residues were not properly removed after asbestos removal work. We will completely remove asbestos so that students can study in a comfortable and safe environment in the new semester.”